Maya Darasaw, the owner of MAD Words Photography has teamed up with Candyce Jones, owner of Anchored Consulting & Events, and TaKeyia Monique, the owner of Haute Hipsters Media, to create social change through photography by developing a social media campaign to bring awareness to prostate cancer. On November 1st, #30ShadesofBlue will launch and honor those that are or have been impacted by prostate cancer. Each day in November, a picture will be posted along with a story and/or an inspiring message, that will educate and encourage others about prostate cancer. The goal is to encourage men young and older to get regular screenings and build a social community that supports and educates each other. To follow the campaign visit the blog each day or follow MAD Works Photography on its various social media platforms. @MADWorksPhoto on Instagram & Twitter, MAD Works Photography on Facebook.

Day 1: My Why? #30ShadesOfBlue

My dad has a way with talking to me. He's very intentional in his delivery. Sometimes, I have to warn him to get straight to it, because my heart drops if it takes him too long to say what he attempts to say to me. Sometimes, it's just about my taxes... other times it's about life, and how it throws you curveballs. I remember the day explicitly when my father said... "you recall your granddad had prostate cancer and beat it right?" Ummmmm.... where is this going dad? Well, my dad said he had prostate cancer and was not the slightest bit concerned... or at least that's what his demeanor told me. I, on the other hand, was devastated, heartbroken. At 30-something, I'm still daddy's princess, and no princess wants to hear bad news about their King. "What are you talking about... you have what?"

Fortunately, my father attacked this evil beast and I thank God for him and my family every day!!! It's getting to the doctor early, and fairly often just to make sure everything is checking out. You are not too young or too old to be exempt.

Please tag along with me another 30 days as my team and I drop some #ProstateCancer facts, as we honor those who've survived and grow their beards for a purpose! #30ShadesOfBlue #ProstateCancerAwareness #NoShaveNovember

Day 2: #30ShadesOfBlue

According to the non-profit, Zero Prostate Cancer, there are currently 2.9 million men living with prostate cancer - roughly equal to the population of Chicago. Please do your part, visit your doctor for a physical. Early detection is key.

Thank you to our model, Matthew, for supporting #NoShaveNovember and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Day 3 #30ShadesOfBlue Facts Only

Did you know, 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? Prostate cancer is highly curable, if detected early. Make sure the men in your life are taking their health seriously and visiting their physician regularly.

Thank you to our model, David, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Day 4 True or False? #30ShadesOfBlue

True or False: Prostate cancer is an old man’s disease? FALSE, while it may be true that the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the fact remains that more than 76,000 men each year, are diagnosed at an earlier age. Although only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate skyrockets up to 1 in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 15 for ages 60 to 69.” - Prostate Cancer Foundation

Thank you to our model, Ranith, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Day 5 #30ShadesOfBlue

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 180,890 new prostate cancer cases in 2016. But there's good news, the 5 and 10 year survival rate respectively is 99% and 98%. So get checked, have the conversation with your loved ones! Early detection saves lives!

Thank you to our model, @0nly0ne0 for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Day 6 Fact or Myth #30ShadesOfBlue

Fact? or Myth? "If you don't have any symptoms, you don't have prostate cancer." MYTH! Prostate cancer is one of the most asymptomatic cancers in oncology, meaning not all men experience symptoms. Many times symptoms can be attributed to something else. Signs of prostate cancer are often first detected by a doctor using a routine check-up. - Prostate Cancer Foundation

Thank you to our model, Fatin, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Day 7 #30ShadesOfBlue

Although 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, it is highly curable if detected early.

Thank you to our model, Willis, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Day 7 #30ShadesOfBlue

Fact or Fiction? “The PSA test is cancer test.” FICTION! The PSA tests measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the prostate, not cancer. Think of it as a first alert smoke alarm, instead of a fire alarm. The PSA test is the first step in the diagnostic process for cancer. It has made detection of cancer in its early stages, when it is best treated, possible. Experts believe the PSA test saves the life of approximately 1 in 39 men who are tested. – Prostate Cancer Foundation

Thank you to our model, Jourdan Davis for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Day 9 #30ShadesOfBlue

Men with a single first-degree relative—father, brother or son—with a history of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, while those with two or more relatives are nearly four times as likely to be diagnosed. The risk is highest in men whose family members were diagnosed before age 65. It’s imperative to notify your doctor of your family history.

Thank you to our model, Rafael, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

Veteran's Day #30ShadesOfBlue

I am a prostate cancer survivor, having been exposed to Agent Orange in 1971, while serving in the US Army in Vietnam. As a FITNESS enthusiast....I was devastated by just hearing the word, cancer! Early detection, however, was the key to my complete recovery! I urge you to get your annual physical exams! You have a responsibility to your loved ones! Early detection and a positive attitude will help you win! Upon receiving the news, I went to the gym and continued to train throughout treatment! What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger! - Harold, St. Louis, MO

Thank you to our model, Harold, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

African American men are hit hardest by prostate cancer. They are diagnosed at a 60% higher rate than caucasian men.

Thank you to our model, Sammy, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

Men often don't get the help they need when they need it because they're afraid to speak up about prostate cancer. Organizations like www.menwhospeakup.com are helping to raise awareness about advanced prostate cancer and encouraging men to speak up and be an advocate for their own health.

Thank you to our model, Eiad, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

Although the causes of prostate cancer are not yet completely understood, researchers have found several factors that increase the risk of developing the disease. High-fat diets have been linked to prostate cancer, eating a diet that is low in saturated fat and red meats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods may help reduce a man’s risk for developing the disease. - American Cancer Society

Thank you to our model, Joshua, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

When it comes to prostate cancer, there are many treatments available. One approach does not fit all. Patients need to understand the complexity of this disease and make treatment decisions that are right for them in consultation with a trusted medical professional.

Thank you to our model, Christian for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

"It's important for men to get checked for prostate cancer. Some could have it and don't even know. For males in general it's a thing we are scared to do or feel a little uncomfortable with because of the routine of hows it's check but it's needed. Your family and loved ones will appreciate it because you could possibly live a longer healthier life with them." -Wade, Annapolis, MD

#30ShadesOfBlue

Access to screening is critical and the cost of the screening shouldn't be a burden on anyone. Zero Prostate Cancer has compiled a national database of prostate cancer screening sites all over the country. These sites provide free and low-cost prostate cancer testing throughout the year. Visit zerocancer.org/test-centers

Thank you to our model, Omar, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

Should you be screened? It is a personal and complex decision. Men over 40 should discuss PSA screening with their physicians to determine if and when PSA screening is right for them, based on health and family history factors.

Thank you to our model, Sekou, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30shadesOfBlue

Prostate cancer doesn’t manifest in the same way with everyone. In few men, it can be silent and in others it can show symptoms. However, due to lack of awareness, most men think this is an aging problem than taking cues to check for prostate cancer. – The Health Site

Thank you to our model, Joseph, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

Prostate cancer is one disease men shy away from speaking about. Talking about it could save someone's life. Sharing stories about personal diagnoses or those of families and friends encourages others to make that visit to the doctor they have been putting off.

Thank you to our model, Jason, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

"My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 6 years ago. It was a scary time, but by the grace of God he had surgery and it was gone. No need for chemotherapy at all. It just goes to show you that no matter what you're going through, God always provides. Maybe my fathers' situation happened to bring awareness to the disease to those whom may not have checked for it before." -Paapa, Bowie, Md

Thank you to our model, Paapa, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

Fact or Fiction? Prostate cancer doesn’t run in my family, so the odds aren’t great that I will get it. FICTION! While a family history of prostate cancer doubles a man’s odds of being diagnosed to 1 in 3, the fact remains that 1 out of 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This compares to 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. African-American men are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.4 times more likely to die as a result. – Prostate Cancer Foundation

Thank you to our model, Cedric #BeardOBlack for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

According to the American Cancer Society, African American men have the highest documented prostate cancer incidence rate in the WORLD. In the U.S., the prostate cancer death rate for African American men is more than twice the rate for white men. It's imperative you take your health seriously.

Thank you to our model, Demont for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

How curable is prostate cancer? As with all cancers, “cure” rates for prostate cancer describe the percentage of patients likely remaining disease-free for a specific time. In general, the earlier the cancer is caught, the more likely it is for the patient to remain disease-free. Because approximately 90% of all prostate cancers are detected in the local and regional stages, the cure rate for prostate cancer is very high—nearly 100% of men diagnosed at this stage will be disease-free after five years.

Thank you to our model, Jason, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

Did you know? Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and more than 26,000 American men will die from the disease just this year alone, according to the American Cancer Society.

Thank you to our model, Kerry for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

"I never saw it coming! After dealing with cancer 4 times with my mother, now my Pops has to fight this disease. I was just DONE! Done with cancer, God, everything! But like she fought, he would fight and like she won, he would win too. I come from survivors and through every encounter with this disease, my Father's faith NEVER wavered! He never doubts God, he NEVER flinches in adversity. Pop's is a real one and his victory over prostate cancer, not only educated me on the disease but reminded me that God is the one thing I MUST rely on!" -Eddie, Bowie, MD

Thank you to our model, Eddie, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

It's no secret men, especially African American men do not like to talk about prostate cancer. Let this campaign be the day we break that tradition. Knowledge is power and sharing stories and information can help others be an advocate for their own health

Thank you to our model, Raheem, for supporting #30ShadesOfBlue and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!

#30ShadesOfBlue

61 days later and you've been informed, inspired, advised, and instructed on the importance of women and mens health. We hope you feel the necessity to take your health seriously through not only our #30ShadesOfBlue prostate cancer awareness campaign, but with our #31ShadesOfPInk highlighting breast cancer awareness. We are our brothers and sisters keepers. Let's stay woke on our Health.

A special thank you to this campaigns team. @Fvartistry @Christinmua for accenting our models features ;-) and @wadethebarber for being the in-house barber and model! ;-) Y'all are so talented. What a dream team.

A huge shout out to @TheDMVs_ACE for EVERYTHING. You are such a blessing to work with. Thank you to my sister @KerilHenderson for making sure all of our men looked neat and stylish and @HauteHipstersMedia for everything pr. You ladies are so appreciated.

Thank you to our #30ShadesOfBlue models for your support and encouraging other men to take their health seriously!